2016 First-Class Forever Stamp,Patriotic Spiral (Ashton Potter, booklet)

U.S. #5131

2016 47c Patriotic Spiral, booklet

Throughout its history, liberty and freedom have been the defining principles of the United States of America.  The stars of our nation’s flag represent fifty separate states united by these principles and the patriots who fought for them. 

One of the Founding Fathers and fir...  more

U.S. #5131

2016 47c Patriotic Spiral, booklet

Throughout its history, liberty and freedom have been the defining principles of the United States of America.  The stars of our nation’s flag represent fifty separate states united by these principles and the patriots who fought for them. 

One of the Founding Fathers and first American patriots was Patrick Henry.  In his famous speech before the Virginia Assembly on March 23, 1775, Henry said “Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace – but there is no peace.  The war is actually begun!...  Our brethren are already in the field!  Why stand we here idle?  What is it that gentlemen wish?  What would they have?  Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God!  I know not what course others may take;  but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

Patrick Henry’s words inspired George Washington and Congress to fight for independence.  Today, his words echo in the hearts of many Americans when they see the flag.  The Stars and Stripes represents the courage and strength of the first patriots.

Our core values of liberty and freedom were included in the Constitution to guarantee them to all future generations.  Americans today still strive “to form a more perfect Union,” and “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”
 

Value:  47c

Issued: August 19, 2016

First Day City:  Kansas City MO

Type of Stamp:  First Class Mail
Printed by:  Ashton Potter
Method:  Offset, Microprint
Self-Adhesive

Quantity Printed:  300,000,000

This exciting stamp design features 50 blue and red stars spiraling around a central gold star on a white background. The idea for the design was to illustrate a community of stars protectively orbiting a central star that in an abstract sense stands for our nation's steadfast idealism and hope for a more perfect union.